Windows 95 Startup Sound Joins National Recording Registry

The Library of Congress recognizes the iconic chime as a vital piece of American cultural and technological history.

The Windows 95 startup sound has been officially added to the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress.
Created by renowned musician and producer Brian Eno, the chime is celebrated for its artistic and cultural impact.
Microsoft provided Eno with over 150 descriptive adjectives to guide the sound's creation, aiming to evoke optimism and progress.
The sound joins other 2025 inductees such as Elton John's 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road' and the soundtrack for Minecraft.
This inclusion reflects the Library of Congress's effort to expand its archives to include non-traditional sounds from technology and daily life.